Arrest made in Watervliet bank robbery

Updated 8:26 pm, Saturday, February 8, 2014

Richard M. Lenyk, 37, of Green Island was arrested after an investigation into a bank robbery in Watervliet on Feb. 7. (Watervliet police photo)

Richard M. Lenyk, 37, of Green Island was arrested after an investigation into a bank robbery in Watervliet on Feb. 7. (Watervliet police photo)

Arrest made in Watervliet bank robbery

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WATERVLIET — A Green Island man was charged in connection with Friday's robbery at the Bank of America on 2nd Avenue — and the suspect also admitted recently robbing a Troy bank, Watervliet police said.

Richard M. Lenyk, 37, of 42 Paine St., was identified late Friday afternoon based on leads and other information, police said.

Lenyk was apprehended late Saturday afternoon after surveillance was conducted at several locations he was known to frequent, police said. Lenyk gave investigators a statement admitting to the Watervliet robbery and Wednesday's First Niagara bank robbery in Troy, according to police.

Some money he had was recovered but police said they can't confirm if it was proceeds from either robbery. Police said he is unemployed, amassing debts and fueling a drug addiction. He is charged with third-degree robbery and fourth-degree grand larceny.

Arraignment was scheduled for Saturday night at Watervliet City Court and he was expected to be sent to the Albany County jail.